Dani Alves is a Brazilian former professional footballer, widely regarded as one of the best right-backs in football history. Born on May 6, 1983, in Juazeiro, Bahia, Brazil, he had an illustrious career spanning several top clubs and earning numerous accolades.
Career Highlights:
- Sevilla FC (2003–2008): Alves began his European career with Sevilla, making 175 appearances and scoring 11 goals. He helped the team secure two UEFA Cups and the Copa del Rey.
- FC Barcelona (2008–2016): Joining Barcelona for €32.5 million, Alves became a key player in the team’s success. He contributed to winning multiple titles, including:
- Two UEFA Champions League titles
- Six La Liga titles
- Three FIFA Club World Cups
- Juventus (2016–2017): Alves spent one season with Juventus, winning the Serie A title and the Coppa Italia.
- Paris Saint-Germain (2017–2019): At PSG, he added two more league titles and a domestic treble in his first season.
- São Paulo FC (2019–2021): Returning to Brazil, Alves played for São Paulo, winning the Campeonato Paulista in 2021.
- UNAM (2022–2023): He concluded his club career with Mexican side UNAM.
International Career:
Alves earned 126 caps for the Brazilian national team from 2006 to 2022, scoring eight goals. His achievements include:
- Winning the Copa América in 2007 and 2019
- Securing FIFA Confederations Cup victories in 2009 and 2013
- Capturing a gold medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics
Legal Issues:
In January 2023, Dani Alves was detained in Spain on charges of sexual assault. He was convicted in February 2024 and sentenced to four and a half years in prison. However, on March 28, 2025, the Spanish court overturned his conviction on appeal, citing inconsistencies and issues with the credibility of the accuser’s testimony.
Public Reactions:
The court’s decision has sparked varied reactions:
- Ana Redondo, Spain’s Minister of Equality, expressed disagreement, stating that the presumption of innocence should not undermine the credibility of victims.
- María Jesús Montero, Secretary-General of the PSOE in Andalusia, labeled the acquittal as a “shame,” emphasizing the importance of believing victims.
The case has ignited discussions about the legal process and the challenges victims face in sexual assault cases.